‘Shabbat 360’ offers “Unplug Challenge”

NEXT: A Division of Birthright Israel Foundation [Birthright Israel NEXT] is partnering with Reboot to inspire alumni to turn off their cell phones and slow down by sharing a Shabbat meal.

As part of the first-ever “Shabbat 360” campaign, NEXT is joining the 2012 National Day of Unplugging to inspire 360 Taglit-Birthright Israel alumni to host Shabbat meals for friends on March 23-24.

The “unplug challenge” is open to the nearly 200,000 alumni of Birthright Israel trips to Israel. Hosts will receive a meal subsidy from NEXT, along with a custom Shabbox with candles, challah cover, Kiddush cup, traditional blessings in Hebrew and English, a curated Shabbat Tunes CDs to set the mood and more, along with access to other alumni’s favorite recipes and hosting tips.

To date, more than 7,500 alumni have hosted more than 13,000 Shabbat meals for 184,424 guests, the majority of whom identify as secular. For many, this is their first meaningful Shabbat experience with friends, and they are often inspired to explore other Jewish holidays.

Registration for NEXT Shabbat 360 closes soon. To join a Shabbat 360 meal in your city or for information about other NEXT “Do It Yourself” national programs, visit www.facebook.com/nextshabbat.